Fabio Quartararo believes that while Marc Marquez remains almost unbeatable in certain conditions, he could be a strong contender against him if they were on the same bike.
The French rider, who had memorable battles with Marquez during his 2019 rookie season with Petronas SRT Yamaha, noted that in dry conditions he believes he can match the eight-time world champion’s pace. Quartararo, now with Yamaha, still holds his status as one of the top riders on the grid despite the team’s recent struggles. In 2025, he has already secured four pole positions and two podium finishes.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Quartararo stated, “In rare conditions, he is almost unbeatable, but in the dry we could give him some problems. At pure speed, I have the potential to be very fast.”
He went on to compare Marquez’s consistency and adaptability to having a FIFA player maxed out at 99 in every attribute, pointing out how Marquez remains fast regardless of conditions or injuries. “There’s no one at his level, not just now, but over the last 10 years,” Quartararo said. “He’s quick whether it’s wet, dry, or even with an injury. He’s an example to follow.”
Quartararo also mentioned that in 2025 he’s been closely observing Pecco Bagnaia and Alex Marquez — the two riders closest to Marc Marquez in the standings. After 12 rounds, Marc Marquez leads the championship by 120 points, with eight grand prix wins and 11 sprint victories.
